Atmospheric diffraction

<p>Atmospheric diffraction is manifested in the following principal ways:
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<ul><li>Optical atmospheric diffraction</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Radio_wave/LzrVhgbn">Radio wave</a> <a href="/facts/Diffraction/Mk80xXHT">diffraction</a> is the scattering of <a href="/facts/Radio/XFr909M2">radio</a> <a href="/facts/Frequency/QUSbPaW8">frequency</a> or lower frequencies from the Earth's ionosphere, resulting in the ability to achieve greater distance radio <a href="/facts/Broadcasting/AV1f3dGy">broadcasting</a>.</li>
<li><a href="/facts/Sound_wave/Bu83Al0Q">Sound wave</a> <a href="/facts/Diffraction/Mk80xXHT">diffraction</a> is the bending of sound waves, as the sound travels around edges of geometric objects.  This produces the effect of being able to hear even when the source is blocked by a solid object.  The <a href="/facts/Sound_wave/Bu83Al0Q">sound waves</a> bend appreciably around the solid object.</li></ul>
<p>However, if the object has a diameter greater than the <a href="/facts/Acoustics/2GpQUymy">acoustic</a> wavelength, a 'sound shadow' is cast behind the object where the sound is inaudible. (Note: some sound may be propagated through the object depending on material).
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Atmospheric diffraction open-in-new

Atmospheric diffraction